Container and valve arrangement for maintaining initial sealed separation of a plurality of liquids and allowing for subsequent successive consumption of the plurality of liquids

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses, systems, and methods (e.g., utilities) that allow a user to maintain an initial, sealed separation of two or more ingredients (e.g., liquids) in respective chambers of a container and to then selectively consume the ingredients via a common opening of the container (e.g., either in series or in combination). Broadly, the utilities include a valve mechanism that, when activated (e.g., rotated), simultaneously breaks or ruptures at least one seal member previously maintaining sealed separation of the two or more ingredients to at least partially align respective apertures into the chambers to fluidly interconnect the chambers via the apertures and allow for consumption of the ingredients via a common opening of the container.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to containers for consuming liquidsand, more particularly, to a valve arrangement for a container thatmaintains an initial separation between at least first and secondliquids in the container, and that selectively allows for successiveconsumption of the first and second liquids via a common opening of thecontainer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There has been a recent explosion in the growth of personal beverageusage, and particularly, in the purchase and consumption of “designer”drinks that include a number of components or ingredients forconsumption separately or in combination. Many types of containers(e.g., bottles) have been developed for such beverages and often have aplurality of compartments or chambers for separately storing the variousingredients, and an actuation mechanism that allows a user toselectively mix the ingredients and subsequently consume the resultingmixture. In the case of alcoholic beverages, for instance, containersexist that maintain an initial separation of an alcoholic spirit (e.g.,vodka, rum) and a mixer (e.g., fruit juice, carbonated liquid). Upon auser opting to consume the alcoholic beverage, the user may activate avalve or the like to allow for mixing of the spirit and the mixer andthen consume the resulting beverage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are apparatuses, systems, and methods (e.g., utilities)that allow a user to maintain an initial, sealed separation of two ormore components (e.g., liquid ingredients) in respective chambers of acontainer, and to then selectively consume the ingredients via a commonopening of the container (e.g., either in series or in combination).Broadly, the utilities include a valve mechanism that, when activated(e.g., rotated), simultaneously breaks or ruptures at least one sealmember previously maintaining sealed separation of the two or morecomponents to result in at least partially alignment of respectiveapertures into the chambers to fluidly interconnect the chambers via theapertures and allow for consumption of the ingredients via a commonopening of the container.

Imagine a bottle implementing the teachings presented herein includes afirst chamber containing a first liquid (e.g., an alcoholic spirit), asecond chamber containing a second liquid (e.g., a chaser), and a valvemechanism between the first and second chambers maintaining a sealedseparation of the first and second chambers. For instance, such bottlescould be purchased at a checkout counter of a liquor store (e.g.,package store or the like) and marketed as a safe, entertaining andeffective manner of consuming a set amount of an alcoholic beverage froma container at a desired time. The container may have a relatively smallfootprint to facilitate storage and transportation, reduce waste, andthe like.

Upon desiring to consume the beverage, a user could remove any externalcovering (e.g., foil wrapper or the like) and/or cap from the bottle andconsume the alcoholic spirit of the first chamber from an opening (e.g.,finish opening) of the bottle. The user may then, if desired,immediately twist the first and second chambers in a first rotationaldirection relative to each other (e.g., twist the second/bottom chamberrelative to the first/upper chamber) to simultaneously unseal the firstchamber relative to the second chamber while at least partially aligningrespective apertures into the first and second chambers, and then drinkthe chaser from the second chamber via the opening, the first chamber,and the fluid passageway(s) created by the valve mechanism. In onearrangement, the utilities may include structure configured to emit anaudible signal when a user has unsealed and fluidly interconnected thechambers to indicate to the user that the second liquid may be consumedvia the opening. For instance, the structure may in some embodimentsinclude at least one projection that is configured to audibly snap intoat least one corresponding cavity after the second chamber has beenrotated (e.g., relative to the first chamber) an amount that allows forconsumption of the second liquid (e.g., an amount of rotation thatbreaks the seal and aligns corresponding apertures). In somearrangements, the projection and opening may be designed to inhibitrelative rotation between the first and second chambers in an opposed,second relative rotation (e.g., to limit reuse of and possiblecontamination of the container).

In one aspect, a container includes a first body having a first sidewall and a first internal cavity inside the first side wall that isconfigured to store a first liquid, a second body having a second sidewall and a second internal cavity inside the second side wall that isconfigured to store a second liquid, and a valve mechanism between thefirst and second internal cavities. The valve mechanism includes a firstportion adjacent a first end of the first internal cavity and having abase and an actuator on the base, and a second portion adjacent a firstend of the second internal cavity that faces the first end of the firstinternal cavity and having a base and a flap connected to the base.Relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valvemechanism about a rotational axis actuates the actuator to at leastpartially separate the flap from the base of the second portion of thevalve mechanism to fluidly interconnect the first and second internalcavities.

For instance, the actuator may include a projection and the flap mayinclude an opening that receives the projection, the first portion ofthe valve mechanism may include a first cam surface, and the secondportion of the valve mechanism may include a second cam surface. In thisregard, sliding engagement between the first and second cam surfacesduring the relative rotation between the first and second portions ofthe valve mechanism may be designed to induce separation between thebases of the first and second portions of the valve assembly to at leastpartially separate the flap from the base of the second portion of thevalve mechanism via the actuator.

In one variation, the flap may be considered a first flap, and the firstportion of the valve mechanism may further include a second flap towhich the projection is attached. In this regard, the relative rotationbetween the first and second portions of the valve mechanism at leastalso partially separates the second flap from the base of the firstportion of the valve mechanism to fluidly interconnect the first andsecond internal cavities. The first and second flaps may remain mated(e.g., in contact) during the relative rotation between the first andsecond portions of the valve mechanism via the projection and theopening. In some arrangements, the first and second flaps may beconsidered a first pair of flaps, and the valve mechanism may includeone or more additional pairs of flaps that are configured to at leastpartially separate from the bases of the second and first portions ofthe valve mechanism during the relative rotation between the first andsecond portions of the valve mechanism to further fluidly interconnectthe first and second internal cavities. For instance, the various pairsof flaps may be circumferentially arranged about the rotational axis.

In another aspect, a container includes a first body having a first sidewall and a first internal cavity inside the first side wall that isconfigured to store a first liquid, a second body having a second sidewall and a second internal cavity inside the second side wall that isconfigured to store a second liquid, and a valve mechanism between thefirst and second internal cavities. The valve mechanism includes a firstportion adjacent a first end of the first internal cavity and having abase and an aperture that extends through the base and into the firstinternal cavity, a second portion adjacent a first end of the secondinternal cavity that faces the first end of the first internal cavityand having a base and an aperture that extends through the base and intothe second internal cavity, and a membrane between the bases of thefirst and second portions and covering the apertures of the first andsecond portions. Relative rotation between the first and second portionsof the valve mechanism about a rotational axis ruptures the membrane andat least partially aligns the apertures of the first and second portionsof the valve mechanism to form a fluid passageway between the first andsecond internal cavities.

In a further aspect, a method of serially consuming a plurality ofliquids from a container includes first consuming a first liquid from afirst chamber of a container via a consumption opening of the container,inducing relative rotation between a first portion of a valve mechanismadjacent the first chamber and a second portion of a valve mechanismadjacent the second chamber to at least partially dislodge a flap thatat least partially separates the first and second chambers to create afluid passageway between the first and second chambers, and secondconsuming a second liquid from the second chamber via the fluidpassageway, the first chamber, and the consumption opening.

Various refinements may exist of the features noted in relation to thevarious aspects. Further features may also be incorporated in thevarious aspects. These refinements and additional features may existindividually or in any combination, and various features of the aspectsmay be combined. In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodimentsdescribed above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent byreference to the drawings and by study of the following descriptions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and furtheradvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following DetailedDescription, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a container including a valve mechanismthat selectively allows for the serial consumption of a plurality ofcomponents from respective upper and lower bodies of the container,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of the upper body of the container ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of the lower body of the container ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 a is a cross-sectional view through a portion of the valvemechanism of FIG. 1 and illustrating a first pair of flaps of the valvemechanism in a first position before being torn to fluidly interconnectthe upper and lower bodies.

FIG. 4 b is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 a, but after thevalve mechanism has been manipulated to at least partially tear thefirst pair of flaps to fluidly interconnect the upper and lower bodies.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a variation of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the lower body of thecontainer of FIG. 5 and illustrating a socket in an outer surfacethereof.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a joiner section of thecontainer of FIG. 5 and illustrating a tab extending from an innersurface thereof.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of FIG. 5 and illustrating engagement betweenthe socket of FIG. 6 and the tab of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a container including a valve mechanismthat selectively allows for the serial consumption of a plurality ofcomponents from respective chambers of the container, according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 a is a perspective view of an upper body of the container ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 11 b is a perspective view of a lower body of the container of FIG.9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the upper body of FIG. 9and illustrating a plurality of uncut port domes on an end wall thereofthat may be cut to form a plurality of apertures into the upper body.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a membrane of the valve mechanism ofthe container of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 a is a cross-sectional view through a portion of the valvemechanism of FIG. 9 and illustrating a first, misaligned position of apair of apertures of the valve mechanism and a membrane disposed betweenthe pair of apertures in an unruptured configuration.

FIG. 14 b is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 14 a, but after thevalve mechanism has been manipulated to at least partially rupture themembrane and align the pair of apertures to fluidly interconnect theupper and lower bodies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which assist inillustrating the various pertinent features of the various novel aspectsof the present disclosure. In this regard, the following description ispresented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, thedescription is not intended to limit the inventive aspects to the formsdisclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modificationscommensurate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge ofthe relevant art, are within the scope of the present inventive aspects.

With initial reference to FIGS. 1-2, one embodiment of a container 100is illustrated that is configured to maintain an initial, sealedseparation between a plurality of components (e.g., liquids) containedwithin respective cavities thereof and selectively allow for serialconsumption of the components (e.g., in the case of an alcoholic spiritand a chaser). Broadly, the container 100 includes a first (e.g., upper)body 102 having a first internal cavity 106 configured to store a firstcomponent (e.g., a first liquid), a second (e.g., lower) body 116 havinga second internal cavity 120 configured to store a second component(e.g., a second liquid), and a valve mechanism 200 disposed between thefirst and second internal cavities 106, 120. As will be discussed morefully in the discussion that follows, relative movement (e.g., rotationabout rotational axis 300) between respective portions of the valvemechanism 200 serves to simultaneously break or rupture at least oneseal member and at least partially aligns respective apertures into thefirst and second cavities 106, 120 to fluidly interconnect the first andsecond cavities 106, 120 via the apertures and allow for consumption ofthe components via a common opening of the container 100.

The first internal cavity 106 may be disposed inside a first side wall104 of the first body 102 and may generally have first and second ends108, 110. A first portion 204 of the valve mechanism 200 may be disposedadjacent the first end 108 of the first internal cavity 106. While thefirst portion 204 of the valve mechanism 200 has been illustrated asbeing an end wall of the first body 102 spanning the first end 108 ofthe first internal cavity 106, other embodiments envision that the firstbody 102 may be manufactured with an open end adjacent the first end 108of the first internal cavity 106, in which case the first portion of thevalve mechanism 200 may be appropriately secured (e.g., welded, glued,etc) to the first sidewall 104 adjacent the first end 108 of the firstinternal cavity 106. In any event, a consumption opening 112 may bedisposed adjacent the second end 110 of the first internal cavity 106.For instance, the consumption opening 112 may be disposed within a neck(not labeled) of the container 100 and be selectively coverable by a capor closure 114 (e.g., where the cap 114 may be threadably disposed aboutthe neck and over the consumption opening 112).

The second internal cavity 120 may be disposed inside a second side wall118 of the second body 116 and may generally have first and second ends122, 124. A second portion 208 of the valve mechanism 200 may bedisposed adjacent the first end 122 of the second internal cavity 120.Similar to the first portion 204, the second portion 208 of the valvemechanism 200 may either be an end wall of the second body 116 spanningthe first end 122 of the second internal cavity 120 or a separate piecethat is appropriately secured or fixed to the second sidewall 118adjacent the first end 122 of the second internal cavity 120. A loadingopening 126 may be disposed in the second body 116 to load the secondliquid into the second internal cavity 120. For instance, the loadingopening 126 may be disposed through or within an end wall (not labeled)of the second body 116 and, upon loading of a second liquid into thesecond internal cavity 120 via the loading opening 126, be closed orotherwise sealed off in any appropriate manner (e.g., via a plug 128glued or welded into the loading opening 126) to limit the second liquidfrom exiting the second internal cavity 120 via the loading opening 126.

A joiner member 212 (e.g., a cylindrical member) may be used torotatably attach the first and second portions 204, 208 of the valvemechanism 200 relative to each other. The joiner member 212 may includeinner and outer surfaces 216, 218 and an internal cavity 220 extendingbetween first and second ends 222, 224 thereof. One of the first andsecond portions 204, 208 of the valve mechanism (e.g., the first portion204) may be non-rotatably attached relative to the inner surface 216 ofthe joiner member 212 while the other of the first and second portions204, 208 of the valve mechanism (e.g., the second portion 208) may berotatably attached relative to the inner surface 216 of the joinermember 212.

In one arrangement, an end of the first body 102 (e.g., adjacent thefirst end 108 of the first internal cavity 106) may be inserted into theinternal cavity 220 of the joiner member 212 via the first end 222, andthe first side wall 104 may be non-rotatably fixed to or relative to theinner surface 216 of the joiner member 212 (e.g., via adhesive, welding,a press-fit, and/or the like). Also, an end of the second body 116(e.g., adjacent the first end 122 of the second internal cavity 120) maybe inserted into the internal cavity 220 of the joiner member 212 viathe second end 224 and the second side wall 118 rotatably securedrelative to the inner surface 216 of the joiner member 212. As just oneexample, the second side wall 118 of the second body 116 may include adepression 132 around at least a portion of the second side wall 118that is adapted to receive a correspondingly shaped protrusion or rib228 extending from the inner surface 220 of the joiner member 212. Forinstance, the second body 116 may be forcibly inserted into the internalcavity 216 of the joiner member 212 so that the rib 228 is received in(e.g., snapped into) the depression 132 and thereby rotatably retainsthe second portion 208 of the valve mechanism relative to the joinersection 212. Other manners of rotatably retaining the second portion 208of the valve mechanism 200 relative to the first portion 204 are alsoenvisioned and encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

The joiner member 212 may also serve to limit the escape of fluids fromthe container 100 upon activation of the valve mechanism 200 to fluidlyinterconnect the first and second internal cavities 106, 120. Forinstance, the adhesive, press-fit, etc. connection between the joinermember 212 and the first body 102 and the depression 132 and rib 228connection between the joiner member 212 and the second body 116 mayeach prevent or at least limit the passage of fluids therethrough. Whilenot shown, the joiner member 212 may, in one embodiment, form part of orbe an extension of the first side wall 104 of the first body 102.

Upon securement of the first and second portions 204, 208 of the valvemechanism 200 relative to the joiner member 212 and each other asdiscussed above, the first and second portions 204, 208 are engaged orotherwise in contact so that upon rotation of the second portion 208relative to the first portion 204 (e.g., via grasping and twisting ahandle 132 on the second body 116) about rotational axis 300 (e.g., in aclockwise direction), the first and second portions 204, 208 interact tobreak or rupture sealed separation of the first and second internalcavities 106, 120 while resulting in at least partially alignment ofrespective apertures into the first and second internal cavities 106,120 to fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities 106,120 via the apertures and allow for consumption of the components viathe consumption opening 112 of the container 100.

With additional reference now to FIGS. 3 a-3 b, more detailed views ofthe first and second portions 204, 208 of the valve mechanism 200 areillustrated. The first portion 204 may generally include a base (e.g.,wall) 230 configured to span the first end 108 of the first internalcavity 106, and one or more flaps (e.g., covers) 232, where each flap232 is connected to the base 230 at a weakened but hermetically sealedborder or junction 234 surrounding at least a portion of the flap 232and is configured to cover and seal a respective aperture (not shown)into the first internal cavity 106. Similarly, the second portion 208 ofthe valve mechanism 200 may include a base (e.g., wall) 238 configuredto span the second end 122 of the second internal cavity 120 (e.g.,where the base 238 may, in one embodiment, be generally parallel to thebase 230), and one or more flaps (e.g., covers) 240, where each flap 240is connected to the base 238 at a weakened but hermetically sealedborder or junction 242 surrounding at least a portion of the flap 240and is configured to cover and seal a respective aperture (not shown)into the second internal cavity 120. In this regard, each flap 232, 240and its respective junction 234, 242 is in essence a seal or sealingmember configured to prevent or limit passage of fluids or the liketherethrough (until the flaps 232, 240 are torn or ripped uponactivation of the valve mechanism 200 as discussed below). For instance,the valve mechanism 200 may include one or more pairs of flaps 232, 240circumferentially disposed about the rotational axis 300 as shown inFIGS. 1-4.

Now additionally turning to FIG. 4 a, each flap 232 of the first portion204 of the valve mechanism 200 is configured to remain at leastpartially mated (e.g., interlocked) with a corresponding flap 240 of thesecond portion 208 of the valve mechanism 200 both before and afteractivation of the valve mechanism 200. For instance, one flap (e.g.,flap 232) of each pair may include a projection (e.g., post) 244 that isconfigured to be fixedly (e.g., substantially non-removably) received(e.g., via adhesive, a press-fit, etc.) in a corresponding bore 246 inthe other flap (e.g., flap 240) of the pair. In one arrangement, eachflap 232, 240 may initially be a portion of the base 230, 238 that hasbeen pushed or otherwise deformed from the base 230, 238 so that thejunction 234, 242 has been at least partially thinned or stretched(e.g., weakened) relative to the base 230, 238. For instance, each ofthe flaps 232 may extend away from the first internal cavity 106 whileeach of the flaps 240 may extend into the second internal cavity 120 soas to form respective depressions (not labeled in the interest ofclarity) over the flaps 240. In this regard, each flap 232 may be atleast partially received within the depression of a corresponding flap240. See FIG. 5 a. In another arrangement, the bases 230, 238 may bepartially (but not fully) scored to form the various flaps 232, 240,where the various score lines would make up the respective junctions234, 242.

The valve mechanism 200 also includes structure to induce at leastslight separation of the bases 230, 238 of the first and second portions204, 208 of the valve mechanism 200 along the rotational axis 300. Forinstance, the first and second portions 204, 208 may includecorresponding camming surfaces that are configured to engage duringrelative rotation between the first and second portions 204, 208 of thevalve mechanism 200 to induce slight separation between the bases 230,238. As will be discussed, separation of at least one of the bases 230,238 from the other of the bases 230, 238 while each flap 232 remains atleast partially mated to a corresponding flap 240 induces at leastpartial tearing or severing of each of the flaps 232, 240 from theirrespective bases 230, 238 and fluid interconnection of the first andsecond internal cavities 106, 120.

In one arrangement, a respective first camming (e.g., inclined) surface248 may be disposed between each flap 232 and the base 230 of the firstportion 204 of the valve mechanism 200. Correspondingly, a respectivesecond camming (e.g., inclined) surface 250 may be disposed between eachflap 240 and the base 238 of the second portion 208 of the valvemechanism 200. As shown in FIG. 4 a, the first and second cammingsurfaces 248, 250 of each pair of flaps 232, 240 are configured to besubstantially coexistent with each other before activation of the valvemechanism 200. That is, each first camming surface 248 is configured tobe in contact with a substantial entirety of a corresponding secondcamming surface 250 before activation of the valve mechanism 200. Whilea plurality of pairs of first and second camming surfaces 248, 250 hasbeen illustrated, other manners of inducing slight separation of thebases 230, 238 during relative rotation between the first and secondportions 204, 208 of the valve mechanism are also envisioned. Forinstance, a threaded post (not shown) extending from the base 230 of thefirst portion 204 may be threadably received in a threaded socket (notshown) in the base 238 of the second portion 208. In this regard,rotation of the second portion 208 relative to the first portion (e.g.,via a user grasping and twisting a handle 130 adjacent the second end124 of the second internal cavity 120) would cause the base 238 to ridealong the threaded post and partially separate from the base 230.

In any event, relative rotation between the first and second portions204, 208 of the valve mechanism 200 induces at least partial tearing orrupturing of the flaps 232, 240 from the bases 230, 238 along thejunctions 234, 242 to fluidly interconnect the first and second internalcavities 106, 120. For instance, each pair of flaps 232, 240 mayinitially be generally aligned along an axis (not shown) parallel to therotational axis 300, and each pair of first and second camming surfaces248, 250 may initially be largely coexistent (e.g., have their majorfaces in contact with each other). With reference to FIGS. 4 a-4 b,twisting of the second body 116 (e.g., via handle 130) causes sliding ofeach second camming surface 250 relative to a corresponding firstcamming surface 248. As the first and second camming surfaces 248, 250are each inclined relative to their respective bases 230, 238 andbecause the second portion 208 is at least partially restrained withinthe joiner member 212, this sliding interaction between the first andsecond camming surfaces 248, 250 pushes the base 238 of the secondportion 208 away from the base 230 of the first portion 204.

However, and as discussed previously, each pair of flaps 232, 240remains at least partially mated (e.g., via the posts 244 and apertures246) both before and after the handle 130 has been twisted. Accordingly,the slight separation of the bases 230, 238 while each pair of flaps232, 240 remains mated induces tearing of each flap 232, 240 from itsrespective base 230, 238 to expose at least partially aligned,respective first and second apertures 247, 249 into the first and secondinternal cavities 106, 120 of the first and second bodies 102, 116 whichfluidly interconnects the first and second internal cavities 106, 120.See FIG. 4 b. In this regard, each post 244 may function as an actuatorthat serves to tear a respective flap from a base to expose a fluidpassageway. For instance, upon a user consuming the first liquid (e.g.,an alcoholic spirit) from the first internal cavity 106 via theconsumption opening 112, the user may twist the handle 130 (e.g.,clockwise) about the rotational axis 300 to activate the valve mechanism200 and fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities 106,120. The user may then consume the second liquid (e.g., a chaser) fromthe second internal cavity 120 via the valve mechanism 200 (e.g., viathe second and first apertures 247, 249), the first internal cavity 106,and the consumption opening 112.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the container 100′, where likecomponents are represented by common reference numerals and componentsthat differ in some respect from previous embodiments are representedwith a single prime (′). In this embodiment, the container 100′ includesa sound generation mechanism 260 that is configured to generate anaudible sound (e.g., click, snap, etc.) upon fluid interconnection ofthe first and second internal cavities 106, 120. Stated differently, asa user rotates the second portion 208 of the valve mechanism 200relative to the first portion 204 (e.g., via the handle 130), the soundsgeneration mechanism 260 may be designed to generate an audible soundjust as the flaps 232, 240 have been torn to expose the first and secondapertures 247, 249 and fluidly interconnect the first and secondinternal cavities 106, 120.

In one arrangement, the sound generation mechanism 260 may include atleast one opening or socket 264 on one of the second body 116′ or joinermember 212′ (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6, in the second side wall 118 ofthe second body 116′) that is sized to receive at least onecorresponding projection (e.g., tab) 268 on the other of the second body116′ or joiner member 212′ (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7, extending from theinner surface 220 of the joiner member 212′). The socket 264 andprojection 268 may have respective edges (e.g., sharp edges) 272, 276that are configured to snap past each other to generate an audible soundupon the projection 268 entering the socket 264 just as the flaps 232,240 have been torn a sufficient degree from the bases 230, 238 to allowfor sufficient fluid interconnection of the first and second internalcavities 106, 120. In one arrangement, “sufficient” fluidinterconnection of the first and second cavities 106, 120 may exist whena user can consume the second liquid from the second internal cavity 120via the valve mechanism 200, the first internal cavity 106 and theconsumption opening 112 at an acceptable flow rate (e.g., greater than atrickle). In operation, the socket 264 and projection 268 may initiallynot be engaged before a user has induced twisting of the second portion208 of the valve mechanism 200. Thereafter, the socket 264 may receivethe projection 268 to generate an audible sound (e.g., click, snap,etc.) after the second portion 208 has been twisted to open the flaps232, 240. See FIG. 8 (flaps are not shown being open in the interest ofclarity, also note that two pairs of sockets 264 and projections 268have been illustrated).

In addition to the generation of sound, each pair of socket 264 andprojection 268 may function to prevent or at least limit relativerotation between the first and second portions 204, 208 of the valvemechanism 200 upon the socket 264 receiving the projection 268. Morespecifically, and with reference to FIG. 8, it can be seen how after theedge 276 of the projection has snapped past the edge 272 and into thesocket 264, reverse rotation of the second portion 208 of the valvemechanism 200 about the rotational axis 300 (e.g., in a rotationaldirection opposite to that used to tear the flaps 232, 240) may beprevented or limited due to the engagement of respective faces of thesocket 264 and projection 268 (not labeled, but see FIG. 8). Thisfeature includes the added benefit of limiting reuse of and/or possiblecontamination of the container 100′.

With reference to FIGS. 9-10, respective perspective and explodedperspective views of another embodiment of the container 100″ are shown,where like components are represented by common reference numerals andcomponents that differ in some respect from previous embodiments arerepresented with a double prime (″). As will be discussed in more detailbelow, the valve mechanism 200″ of the container 100″ differs from thevalve mechanism 200 of the container 100 in that relative rotationbetween the first and second portions 204″, 208″ of the valve mechanism200″ simultaneously tears or ruptures a flexible membrane 400 (e.g.,film, sheet, etc.) disposed between and secured to the first and secondportions 204″, 208″ and at least partially aligns preexisting aperturesthrough the first and second portions 204″, 208″ to fluidly interconnectthe first and second internal cavities 106, 120.

Specifically, the base 230″ of the first portion 204″ of the valvemechanism 200″ includes one or more apertures 404 therethrough in fluidcommunication with the first internal cavity 106 of the first body 102″(see FIG. 11 a), and the base 238″ of the second portion 208″ of thevalve mechanism 200″ includes one or more apertures 408 therethrough influid communication with the second internal cavity 120 of the secondbody 116″ (see FIG. 11 b). For instance, the valve mechanism 200″ mayinclude a plurality of pairs of apertures 404, 408 that are generallycircumferentially arranged about the rotational axis 300. Each aperture404 of the first portion 204″ is configured to be misaligned (e.g.,relative to an axis parallel to the rotational axis 300) with acorresponding aperture 408 of the second portion 208″ before the valvemechanism 200″ has been activated (i.e., before the second portion 208″has been rotated relative to the first portion 204″ about the rotationalaxis 300, e.g., see FIG. 14 a, apertures 408 not shown in FIG. 14 a dueto above-mentioned misalignment) and is configured to substantiallyalign with the corresponding aperture 408 after activation of the valvemechanism 200″ (i.e., after the section portion 208″ has been rotatedrelative to the first portion 204″ about the rotational axis 300, e.g.,see FIG. 14 b).

Furthermore, the membrane 400 is configured to be secured to the bases230″, 238″ and cover the apertures 404, 408 so as to seal each of thefirst and second internal cavities 106, 120 before activation of thevalve mechanism 200″. In one arrangement, one or more components such asa plurality of adhesive (e.g., glue) lines 412, 416 may be respectivelyformed on opposing first and second surfaces 410, 414 of the membrane400, each of which is configured to contact the base 230″, 238″ andsurround a respective aperture 404, 408. See FIGS. 13 and 14 a. Forinstance, each of the adhesive lines 412 is configured to fixedly securethe first surface 410 of the membrane 400 to the base 230″ of the firstportion 204″ of the valve mechanism 200″ around a periphery of arespective one of the apertures 404. Also, each of the adhesive lines416 is configured to fixedly secure the second surface 414 of themembrane 400 to the base 238″ of the second portion 208″ of the valvemechanism 200″ around a periphery of a respective one of the apertures408.

In operation, an unruptured membrane 400 may initially (i.e., beforeactivation of the valve mechanism 200″) be secured to the bases 230″,238″ over the apertures 404, 408, and each aperture 404 may bemisaligned with a respective aperture 408. See FIG. 14 a. At this point,a user may consume the first liquid (e.g., an alcoholic spirit) from thefirst internal cavity 106 via the consumption opening 112 free of mixingof the first liquid with the second liquid (e.g., a chaser) from thesecond internal cavity 120. Thereafter, the user may twist the handle130 (e.g., clockwise) about the rotational axis 300 to activate thevalve mechanism 200″ and fluidly interconnect the first and secondinternal cavities 106, 120.

More specifically, and as the valve mechanism 200″ is activated (i.e.,as the second portion 208″ is twisted relative to the first portion204″, e.g., via the handle 130) to align the apertures 404 with therespective apertures 408, the multiple areas where the membrane 400 issecured to the bases 230″, 238″ induce simultaneous rupturing (e.g.,tearing) of the membrane 400 (e.g., via shear stresses within membranecreated via twisting of second portion 208) to fluidly interconnect thefirst and second internal cavities 106, 120. See FIG. 14 b. The user maythen consume the second from the second internal cavity 120 via thevalve mechanism 200″, the first internal cavity 106, and the consumptionopening 112.

As the membrane 400 is ruptured via the above-discussed shear stresses,axial separation of the bases 230″, 238″ may not be required in thisembodiment. Furthermore, each portion of the membrane 400 spanning arespective aperture 404, 408 may be considered a flap that is configuredto be at least partially torn away from the membrane 400 duringactivation of the valve mechanism 200″. For instance, each such flapspanning a first aperture 404 may be misaligned with a flap spanning arespective aperture 408 with respect to an axis (not shown) that isgenerally parallel to the rotational axis 300. See FIGS. 14 and 15 a.

The various components disclosed herein may be manufactured in anyappropriate manner(s) and of any appropriate material(s). For instance,it is envisioned that a Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) injection blowmolding process and/or the like may be used to form many of thecomponents of the containers 100, 100′, 100″ and/or the valve mechanisms200, 200″ disclosed herein. As just an example, a plurality of convexdomes 290 may be formed on the base 230″ during injection molding or thelike of the first body 102″. See FIG. 12. Thereafter, the domes 290 maybe cut off of the base 230″ (e.g., in a direction parallel to the base230″) leaving the apertures 404 (as in FIG. 11 a). A similar process maybe performed to generate the apertures 408 in the base 238″. Of course,numerous other methods may be performed to form the apertures 404, 408(e.g., drilling, punching, etc.).

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description isto be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character. As oneexample, while the flaps, apertures and the like have been illustratedas being circumferentially arranged about the rotational axis, otherarrangements of flaps and apertures are also envisioned and encompassedwithin the scope of the present disclosure. As another example, whilethe present description has been in the context of first and secondchambers/cavities separated by a single valve mechanism, the presentdisclosure would also be applicable to more complicated arrangements ofchambers and valve mechanisms. For instance, it is envisioned that acontainer could have three or more bodies or chambers, where eachadjacent pair of chambers is separated by a respective valve mechanismthat could be independently activated. As another example, although thehandle disposed on the second body was disclosed to activate the valvemechanism, other manners of activating the valve mechanism are alsoenvisioned (e.g., a lever or arm fixed to the second portion of thevalve mechanism extending through a slot in the third portion and thatmay be manipulated by a user to activate the valve mechanism). Stillfurther, some embodiments envision that the first body could be rotatedrelative to the joiner member to activate the valve mechanism (i.e.,instead of the second body).

In one arrangement, the valve mechanism could be a separate piece orpieces that may be secured to the first and second bodies. In anotherarrangement, the first and second bodies could be formed by a singlepiece, where the valve mechanism could be inserted therein. Stillfurther, while the present disclosure has been in the context of serialor successive consumption of liquids, it is also envisioned that thepresent containers and valve mechanisms could be utilized to facilitateselective mixing of the first and second liquids. For instance, beforeremoving the lid and consuming the liquid from the first internalcavity, a user could activate the valve mechanism to fluidlyinterconnect the first and second internal cavities. Thereafter, theuser could shake the container to mix the liquids of the first andsecond internal cavities before removing the lid and consuming theresultant mixture via the consumption opening. Furthermore, componentsother than liquids are also envisioned for containment within theinternal cavities. For instance, one of the internal cavities couldstore vitamins or nutrients in any appropriate form (e.g., powders,beads, flakes) while another of the internal cavities could store aliquid, where the valve mechanism could be activated to allow for mixingof the nutrients and liquid before consumption by the user.

While this disclosure contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what maybe claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific toparticular embodiments of the disclosure. Certain features that aredescribed in this specification in the context of separate embodimentsand/or arrangements can also be implemented in combination in a singleembodiment. As just one example, the sound generation mechanism 260 ofFIG. 5 could be implemented into the container 100″ of FIG. 9.Conversely, various features that are described in the context of asingle embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodimentsseparately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, althoughfeatures may be described above as acting in certain combinations andeven initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimedcombination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and theclaimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation ofa subcombination.

The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explainbest modes known of practicing the invention and to enable othersskilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or otherembodiments and with various modifications required by the particularapplication(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended thatthe appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments tothe extent permitted by the prior art.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, thedescription is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosedherein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with theabove teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are withinthe scope of the present invention.

1. A container, comprising: a first body comprising a first side walland a first internal cavity inside the first side wall, wherein thefirst internal cavity is configured to store a first liquid; a secondbody comprising a second side wall and a second internal cavity insidethe second side wall, wherein the second internal cavity is configuredto store a second liquid; and a valve mechanism between the first andsecond internal cavities, wherein the valve mechanism includes: a firstportion adjacent a first end of the first internal cavity, wherein thefirst portion comprises a base and an actuator on the base; and a secondportion adjacent a first end of the second internal cavity that facesthe first end of the first internal cavity, wherein the second portioncomprises a base and a flap connected to the base, and wherein arelative rotation between the first and second portions of the valvemechanism about a rotational axis actuates the actuator to at leastpartially separate the flap from the base of the second portion of thevalve mechanism to fluidly interconnect the first and second internalcavities.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises aprojection, wherein the flap comprises an opening that receives theprojection, wherein the first portion of the valve mechanism comprises afirst cam surface, wherein the second portion of the valve mechanismcomprises a second cam surface, and wherein sliding engagement betweenthe first and second cam surfaces during the relative rotation betweenthe first and second portions of the valve mechanism induces separationbetween the bases of the first and second portions of the valve assemblyto at least partially separate the flap from the base of the secondportion of the valve mechanism via the actuator.
 3. The container ofclaim 2, wherein the flap comprises a first flap, wherein the firstportion of the valve mechanism further comprises a second flap to whichthe projection is attached, and wherein the relative rotation betweenthe first and second portions of the valve mechanism at least partiallyseparates the second flap from the base of the first portion of thevalve mechanism to fluidly interconnect the first and second internalcavities.
 4. The container of claim 3, wherein the first and secondflaps remain mated during the relative rotation between the first andsecond portions of the valve mechanism via the projection and theopening.
 5. The container of claim 3, wherein the first and second flapscomprise a first pair of flaps, wherein the valve mechanism comprisesone or more additional pairs of flaps that are configured to at leastpartially separate from the bases of the second and first portions ofthe valve mechanism during the relative rotation between the first andsecond portions of the valve mechanism.
 6. The container of claim 5,wherein the first pair of flaps and the one or more additional pairs offlaps are circumferentially arranged about the rotational axis.
 7. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the base of the first portion of the valvemechanism comprises a first end wall of the first body that spans thefirst internal cavity, and wherein the base of the second portion of thevalve mechanism comprises a first end wall of the second body that spansthe second internal cavity.
 8. The container of claim 1, wherein thevalve mechanism further comprises a third portion that receives thefirst and second portions.
 9. The container of claim 8, wherein thesecond portion of the valve mechanism is rotatable about the rotationalaxis relative to the third portion of the valve mechanism, and whereinthe first portion of the valve mechanism is non-rotatable relative tothe third portion of the valve mechanism.
 10. The container of claim 9,wherein the second portion of the valve mechanism comprises a firstrotation prevention element, wherein the third portion of the valvemechanism comprises a second rotation prevention element, and whereinafter relative rotation between the first and second portions of thevalve mechanism in a first direction about the rotational axis to atleast partially separate the flap from the base of the second portion ofthe valve mechanism, the first and second rotation prevention elementsengage to prevent relative rotation between the first and secondportions of the valve mechanism in a second direction about therotational axis that is opposed to the first direction.
 11. Thecontainer of claim 10, wherein one of the first and second rotationprevention elements comprises an opening, and wherein the other of thefirst and second rotation prevention elements comprises a projectionthat is adapted to snap into interlocking engagement with the opening.12. The container of claim 11, wherein the first rotation preventionelement comprises a projection that extends from the second side wall ofthe second body.
 13. The container of claim 1, wherein one of the firstand second bodies comprises a consumption opening in respective fluidcommunication with the first or second internal cavity, wherein one ofthe first and second liquids is flowable through the consumption openingbefore the flap is at least partially separated from the first body, andwherein the other of the first and second liquids is flowable throughthe consumption opening after the flap is at least partially separatedfrom the first body.
 14. The container of claim 13, wherein the other ofthe first and second liquids is not flowable through the consumptionopening before the flap is at least partially separated from the firstbody. 15-17. (canceled)
 18. A container, comprising: a first bodycomprising a first side wall and a first internal cavity inside thefirst side wall, wherein the first internal cavity is configured tostore a first liquid; a second body comprising a second side wall and asecond internal cavity inside the second side wall, wherein the secondinternal cavity is configured to store a second liquid; and a valvemechanism between the first and second internal cavities, wherein thevalve mechanism includes: a first portion adjacent a first end of thefirst internal cavity, wherein the first portion comprises a base and anaperture that extends through the base and into the first internalcavity; a second portion adjacent a first end of the second internalcavity that faces the first end of the first internal cavity, whereinthe second portion comprises a base and an aperture that extends throughthe base and into the second internal cavity; and a membrane between thebases of the first and second portions and covering the apertures of thefirst and second portions, wherein a relative rotation between the firstand second portions of the valve mechanism about a rotational axisruptures the membrane and at least partially aligns the apertures of thefirst and second portions of the valve mechanism to form a fluidpassageway between the first and second internal cavities.
 19. Thecontainer of claim 18, wherein the valve mechanism further comprises: afirst component that secures a first side of the membrane to the base ofthe first portion of the valve mechanism; and a second component thatsecures an opposed second side of the membrane to the base of the secondportion of the valve mechanism.
 20. The container of claim 19, whereinthe first and second components comprise respective first and secondadhesive components.
 21. The container of claim 20, wherein the firstadhesive component is disposed about a periphery of the aperture thatextends through the base of the first portion of the valve mechanism,and wherein the second adhesive component is disposed about a peripheryof the aperture that extends through the base of the second portion ofthe valve mechanism.
 22. The container of claim 18, wherein theapertures of the first and second portions of the valve mechanismcomprise a first pair of apertures, wherein the first and secondportions of the valve mechanism comprise one or more additional pairs ofapertures, and wherein the relative rotation between the first andsecond portions of the valve mechanism about the rotational axis atleast partially aligns the respective apertures of the one or moreadditional pairs of apertures to form one or more additional fluidpassageways between the first and second internal cavities. 23-24.(canceled)
 25. The container of claim 18, wherein the first bodycomprises an end wall at the first end of the first internal cavity,wherein the second body comprises an end wall at the first end of thesecond internal cavity, and wherein the end walls of the first andsecond bodies respectively comprise the bases of the first and secondportions of the valve mechanism. 26-56. (canceled)